Today’s announcement that the Silver Fern Farms
Fairton sheepmeat processing plant will close is very upsetting for the people
of our district.

It means that 370 people will lose their jobs, causing
them and their families significant upheaval. The news will be particularly
hard for people who have worked at Fairton for many years. I extend my sympathy
to you all.

I know the next few days and weeks will be difficult
and I am working with other community leaders to ensure that people affected by
this decision have the support they need. This includes asking our local
employers to let Work and Income know if they have jobs available.

Our community is very good at rallying to support
people during hard times and I have no doubt that this will happen in Ashburton
over the next few weeks.

Support is also being offered by Silver Fern Farms to
the 370 people affected by the closure. This includes 230 jobs being
offered at other Fairton sites, with assistance provided for workers to get to
the Pareora site from Ashburton. The company will also continue to operate its
pelthouse operation from Fairton.

I hope as many people as possible from the Fairton
plant remain in the Ashburton district but understand that some will move to
other parts of the country to take up jobs being offered by Silver Fern Farms.
I wish all of these people and their families the very best for the future.